Captivation: Want Nothing But You

Dewey handed her a thermos and said, Miss Bennet, this is cola ginger tea.

Its still warm.

It will help ward off the cold.

Rachel looked at the thermos and saw the Fish Joy logo on it.

She couldnt help asking, Is it from Fish Joy? Yes, Miss Bennet, Dewey replied with a nod.

Rachel opened the thermos, and the rich aroma of ginger mixed with the smell of cola hit her nostrils.

If the cola ginger soup in the thermos surprised her, she was even more surprised that it was from Fish Joy.

Thank you, Mr.

Gibson, Rachel said, looking at Alberto.

Alberto looked at Rachel and inquired, Did you secure it? Rachel sipped her cola ginger tea, feeling its warmth inside her, and nodded with a rare, sincere smile.

Rowell agreed to sign the permit.

It should be delivered within the next couple of days.

Mr.

Gibson, I appreciate your reminder.

If it hadnt been for Albertos casual question on their way here, inquiring about the expected duration of the meeting, and his casual remark about how Lengthy meetings could be draining, Rachel might not have thought of buying coffee or making a detour to Fish Joy.

Before the meeting, Rachel had already reviewed the list of Health Bureau attendees, which contained information about each individuals preferences and habits.

Most notably, it disclosed that Rowell had a preference for Fish Joys tea.

Despite Rowells deliberate attempt to conceal his preferences, businessmen like Alberto could easily identify them.

Rachel glanced down at the thermos with Fish Joy written on it.

She remembered buying the coffee and how their route had conveniently passed Fish Joy, leading to a revelation.

A N G E L A s L I B R A R Y She glanced up at Alberto, realizing that he had assisted her even before she had fully grasped the situation.

Miss Bennet, congratulations.

Mr.

Gibsons decision was indeed spot-on.

Youve been a tremendous help this time, Dewey said, sitting in the passenger seat.

Rachel took another sip of her tea, glanced at Dewey, and gave a small smile.

She realized the truly remarkable person wasnt her.

What would you Like to eat? Alberto asked softly.

What? Rachel briefly drifted into her thoughts, then abruptly snapped back to reality with her mouth still holding the ginger tea she hadnt managed to swallow in time.

It stung her throat, Leading to an intense bout of coughing.

Ahem… Ahem… Before long, Rachels eyes reddened, and tears welled up.

Suddenly, she felt a gentle pat on her back.

Rachel froze.

Before she could react, Alberto handed her a tissue.

She accepted it, feeling the residual warmth of his hand on her back.

Rachel bit her lip, unsure how to respond.

Her body tensed reflexively, and her throat constricted.